Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We might have had our argument last week but I thank you, a Chathaoirligh, for picking both Senator Warfield and me for our Commencement matter on World AIDS Day. It is about global solidarity and shared responsibility.

This morning the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council praised the Government's temporary supports and stimulus package in budget 2021. Its chairperson, Sebastian Barnes, however, raised questions around the permanent spending increases. We need a debate on fiscal management and budgetary matters outside of the Finance Bill in light of the fiscal council report. Where is the revenue going and where are the jobs? We have Covid, Brexit and the need for increased employment. We heard this morning about the need to have solidarity with our contract cleaners, an important matter that cannot just be cast aside.

I request we have this debate as it is important that we protect our economy. However, 17,000 additional jobs in the public sector are coming at a time that many organisations say they cannot get nurses, psychologists or care staff. It is important we have that debate.

I endorse the remarks on the need for a full public inquiry into the death of Pat Finucane. All of us who want to see our country reconciled, and we recognise the need for truth and reconciliation. Such an inquiry would have been an important step in this regard.